Creative Lighting Seminar

Last night our PPofSC Coastal District group of photographers came over for a little presentation I did on the Creative Lighting System I frequently incorporate in my work. We had an EXCELLENT turnout and everyone seemed to have a great time. I basically shared my philosophy on lighting and explained all the tools and techniques I use to add impact to my images. I also shared some of my resources such as http://www.strobist.com/, and inspirations such as Dave Black and Joe McNally. Plus I did some live shooting with the images popping up on the big screen for everyone to see what was going on. Here's one of my friend Charlie Thiel...his mistake for sitting in the front row! ;-) Many thanks to Jennifer Easler for organizing everything and bringing so many goodies to eat!!!

Misty & Michael

When Misty & Michael started looking for a wedding photographer, they found me through one of our favorite search partners, Decidio. But even though they contacted us through a global search, very quickly we realized we had a lot in common locally! Misty used to work with our good friends Dan & Eve. Michael's grandmother, Camilla, was a founding member of our church. And the person they'd chosen to unite them was our favorite Pastor Ron from Ashley River Baptist. It's funny how some things are just MEANT TO BE!!! :-) Their ceremony and reception were held at the always wonderful Alhambra Hall. It had rained the day before, but Saturday cleared up and turned into a GORGEOUS day. Michael and his guys were dressed like they belonged on the cover of GQ. I love that first shot with the reflection of Michael in Brian's sunglasses! Misty was absolutely radiant in her elegant gown...a perfect choice for such a beautiful bride. One of my favorite shots of the day is the candid image of Isabella (her flower girl and Michael's niece) giving Misty a kiss on the cheek while her Mom, Grace, stands in the background looking on. RELATIONSHIPS...that's what it's ALL about! Rhett, of Music By Request, did an excellent job providing music and direction to the evening's events. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration as Misty & Michael shared their special day with family and friends! While the sun set over Charleston Bay, I got this wonderful silhouette of the newlyweds framed in the fiery sky. WOW! Misty & Michael, THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your lives!!!

Click here to see the rest of their photos...

Africa's Children

As most of you know, I'm an MK born and raised in Zaire, Africa. So when I ran across this really cool video from a ministry called Watoto in Uganda, I thought I'd share it with you. My youngest brother, Eric, is actually in Uganda right now finishing out a two-year assignment with CRWRC. Next year, Cami and I are hoping to go visit our friends Mark & Ruth Walkup, who now work for the CDC in Zimbabwe. We photographed their beautiful wedding in Norfolk, VA a few years ago. Anyway, I can't WAIT to get back to AFRICA! I left in '87, visited during the summer of '92, but haven't been back since. It's been WAY too long...

Lunar Eclipse

Nikon D2x, 200-400VR lens, TC14eII converter

It's been a long, busy day. But before I headed off to bed, I couldn't resist pulling out the heavy artillary to photograph tonight's lunar eclipse. The next one won't be until 2010! I hope you got to see it.

eLifespaces

I'm kind of a technology afficianado. So I had an AMAZING time photographing Fred Fabian, CEO and Chief Designer for eLifespaces. If you asked me what exactly these guys do at eLifespaces...without hesitation I would reply "MAGIC"!:-) This was one of my favorite images. It was taken in their sound proof home theater at their showroom. I used the Nikon D3 mounted with the 14-24mm f2.8 lens. I had two SB800's firing through a 36" softbox to my right. Dragging the shutter allowed the ambient light in the room to fill out nicely.

Joy & Ken

Since my Dad was in the Navy, military weddings have a special place in my heart. Joy & Ken's was even more so because over the time I've gotten to know Joy, I've realized she is absolutely the nicest person I have ever met! I'm SO HAPPY for these two...

Their wedding was held under the old Live Oak on the Grand Lawn at Alhambra Hall, overlooking Charleston Bay. It's one of my favorite venues in Charleston! Joy was truly STUNNING in her fairytale wedding gown. Ken in his Dress Whites had the proverbial "dashing" good looks I expected...knowing Joy's impeccable taste! :-) The climate was a beautiful, breezy, sunshiny day. All the gorgeous floral arrangements were provided by The Blooming Village. The Coast Guard Chaplain who performed the ceremony was both humerous and poignent in his no-nonsense, yet eloquent, homily. Eric Scalise of Complete Music provided the euphony for the service, and later, did a FANTASTIC job leading an exciting reception.

I thought it was fitting that Joy & Ken exchanged their vows the day after Valentine's day. The support from their family was unending. The admiration from their friends was unwavering. And their love for each other IS unconditional. CONGRATULATIONS you guys!!!

Click Here to see the rest of their photos...

Anticipation

This afternoon I had fun catching up with Brittany & Mitch, who's wedding is just a few short months away. We met at the Legend Oaks Country Club where their wedding will be to go over details and logistics. Since I CAN'T go anywhere without a camera, I grabbed this shot of them under the Spanish Moss coverd Live Oak where they will be exchanging vows.

I shot with Nikon's flagship D3...the vintage look coming from a Lensbabies. These guys are such an AWESOME couple. We had a BLAST at their engagement session. And I can't wait to photograph their wedding!!!